Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Foundation
1.
The act of founding, fixing, establishing, or beginning to erect.
2.
That upon which anything is founded; that on which anything stands, and by which it is supported; the lowest and supporting layer of a superstructure; groundwork; basis.
Behold, I lay in Zion, for a
foundation
, a stone . . . a precious corner stone, a sure foundation
. Is. xxviii. 16.
The
foundation
of a free common wealth. Motley.
3.
(Arch.)
The lowest and supporting part or member of a wall, including the base course (see ) and footing courses; in a frame house, the whole substructure of masonry.
Base course
(a)
, under Base
, Noun.
4.
A donation or legacy appropriated to support a charitable institution, and constituting a permanent fund; endowment.
He was entered on the
foundation
of Westminster. Macaulay.
5.
That which is founded, or established by endowment; an endowed institution or charity;
as, the Ford
. Foundation
Against the canon laws of our
foundation
. Milton.
Foundation course
. – Foundation muslin
, an open-worked gummed fabric used for stiffening dresses, bonnets, etc.
– Foundation school
, in England, an endowed school.
– To be on a foundation
, to be entitled to a support from the proceeds of an endowment, as a scholar or a fellow of a college.
Webster 1828 Edition
Foundation
FOUNDA'TION
,Noun.
1.
The basis of an edifice; that part of a building which lies on the ground; usually a wall of stone which supports the edifice.2.
The act of fixing the basis.3.
The basis or ground work, or any thing; that on which any thing stands, and by which it is supported. A free government has its foundation in the choice and consent of the people to be governed. Christ is the foundation of the church.Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation, a stone - a precious cornerstone. Is. 28.
Other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1Cor. 3.
4.
Original; rise; as the foundation of the world.5.
Endowment; a donation or legacy appropriated to support an institution, and constituting a permanent fund, usually for a charitable purpose.6.
Establishment; settlement.